The Unofficial Rules of Open Houses: A Fun Guide Every Homebuyer Should Read Before Their Next Tour
If you’ve never been to an open house, you might think it’s as simple as walking through the front door and deciding whether you like the kitchen. In reality, open houses have their own unwritten etiquette. While there aren’t any official rules posted on the wall, following a few simple guidelines can make the experience more enjoyable for you, the seller, and your real estate agent. Whether you’re a first-time homebuyer or you’ve toured dozens of homes, here are the unofficial rules every buyer should know. 1. Sign In When You Arrive Most open houses will ask visitors to sign in. This isn’t just for marketing purposes—it’s also a safety measure for the homeowner. If you’re already working with a Realtor, let the hosting agent know. It’s perfectly acceptable to write your agent’s name on the sign-in sheet. 2. Leave Food and Drinks in the Car A cup of coffee may be your best friend during a busy day of house hunting, but it can quickly become a seller’s worst nightmare. Spills happen, and no homeowner wants to worry about stains on freshly cleaned carpets or countertops. 3. Keep Little Hands Close Kids are always welcome at open houses, but remember—this isn’t a playground. Try to avoid: Many homes contain personal belongings that are valuable or sentimental. 4. Don’t Open Closed Doors If a door is closed, there’s usually a reason. It could be: Stick to the areas that are clearly available to tour. 5. Resist the Urge to Open Drawers and Medicine Cabinets This is one of the biggest etiquette rules. Closets are generally fair game because buyers need to evaluate storage space. But drawers, medicine cabinets, desks, and personal cabinets should remain closed unless the listing agent specifically invites you to look. Remember—you are touring someone’s home, not inspecting their personal belongings. 6. Save the Negative Comments for Later You may absolutely hate the wallpaper. The bright orange accent wall might not be your style. But try not to criticize the home while you’re inside. Many sellers have security cameras or smart home devices that may capture conversations. Even if they don’t, it’s courteous to wait until you’re outside before sharing your honest opinions with your agent. 7. Take Photos Only If It’s Allowed Many buyers like taking pictures to remember different homes. Before snapping photos or recording videos, ask the hosting agent if it’s okay. Some sellers prefer that personal belongings or family photos not be photographed. 8. Ask Questions The listing agent is there to help. Good questions include: The more information you gather, the more confident you’ll feel if you decide to make an offer. 9. Look Beyond the Staging Beautiful staging can make any home feel magazine-worthy. Instead of focusing only on the furniture, ask yourself: Paint colors and furniture can change. A functional floor plan is much harder to find. 10. Wear Shoes That Are Easy to Remove Some sellers request that visitors remove their shoes before entering. Slip-on shoes make this much easier, especially if you’re touring several homes in one afternoon. Bonus tip: Bring a pair of socks if you don’t like walking barefoot. 11. Don’t Feel Pressured Just because you’re touring an open house doesn’t mean you need to make an offer. Open houses are an opportunity to: Take your time and enjoy the process. 12. Bring Your Pre-Approval Letter This may be the most important tip of all. If you fall in love with a home, you’ll want to be ready to act quickly. Having a mortgage pre-approval shows sellers you’re a serious buyer and can help strengthen your offer in a competitive market. The Harris Team can help you get pre-approved before you start touring homes, giving you a clear understanding of your budget and helping you shop with confidence. Final Thoughts Open houses are one of the most exciting parts of the homebuying journey. They’re your chance to explore neighborhoods, imagine your future, and discover what truly feels like home. By following these simple etiquette tips, you’ll create a positive experience for yourself, the sellers, and everyone involved. And who knows? The next open house you visit might just be the one where you find your dream home. Ready to start your home search? Before you head to your next open house, connect with the Harris Team for a personalized mortgage pre-approval. Knowing exactly what you can afford will help you shop confidently and move quickly when you find the perfect home.